Why have our history books not glorified kings like Shivaji and Maharana Pratap?

Asked 20-Jun-2023
Updated 21-Jun-2023
Viewed 238 times

1 Answer


0

There are a number of reasons why our history books have not glorified kings like Shivaji and Maharana Pratap.

  • Political considerations: The Mughals were the last major Muslim dynasty to rule India, and they are still seen by some as a symbol of Muslim rule. Glorifying Hindu kings who fought against the Mughals could be seen as a way of legitimizing Hindu nationalism.
Why have our history books not glorified kings like Shivaji and Maharana Pratap
  • Religious considerations: Shivaji and Maharana Pratap were both Hindu rulers, and their glorification could be seen as a way of promoting Hindu identity. This could be seen as divisive by some, and it could also alienate India's Muslim minority.
  • Historical considerations: Shivaji and Maharana Pratap were both complex figures, and their legacies are contested. Some historians argue that they were great warriors who fought for their people's freedom, while others argue that they were oppressive rulers who exploited their subjects. There is no easy consensus on their legacy, and this makes it difficult to glorify them in history books.
  • Narrative considerations: The history of India is complex and multi-faceted. There are many different stories to tell, and it is not always possible to tell all of them in a single history book. The stories of Shivaji and Maharana Pratap are just two of many important stories from Indian history.

It is important to note that there are also some history books that do glorify Shivaji and Maharana Pratap. However, these books are often seen as being biased or inaccurate. As a result, they have not been widely adopted as textbooks in schools.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to glorify Shivaji and Maharana Pratap in history books is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to doing so, and there is no easy answer. It is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all of the relevant factors.